High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Indonesian Air Force was founded on 9 April 1946. Initially it operated captured Japanese aircraft, then was presented with a number of aircraft by the departing Dutch colonial government. In the 1960s it turned to the Soviet Union for equipment, becoming the most powerful air force in South East Asia. Following the 30 September Movement coup attempt of 1965, it declined in strength and began to receive western aircraft. In 1999 both the United States and European Union imposed arms embargoes due to claims of human rights violations in East Timor. Although the United States have lifted its embargo in 2005, the European Union still remains strong on its decision to ban arm sales to Indonesia.